What you need to do to start delivering for Uber Eats
To become an Uber Eats driver, you create an account on the Uber Driver app, pass a background check, and provide proof of insurance and vehicle registration. The process takes about one to two weeks from process to your first delivery. You do not need to own a car — you can deliver by bicycle, scooter, motorcycle, or car depending on what your city allows.
Uber Eats accepts drivers in most U.S. cities, but availability varies by location. Some cities have more driver openings than others, and some temporarily stop accepting new drivers when they have enough. The app will tell you whether your city is currently open to new drivers when you start the sign-up process.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 18 years old, have a valid government ID, and pass a background check that looks at your driving and criminal history.
- The documents you need depend on your delivery method — a car requires insurance and registration, while a bicycle requires only your ID and background clearance.
- Background checks typically take three to five business days, but can take longer if the system flags something for manual review.
- You set your own hours and can work as much or as little as you want, but you are responsible for your own vehicle maintenance, fuel, and insurance.
- Uber Eats takes a percentage of each delivery fee, and you keep the rest plus tips, which means your actual earnings depend on your city and how many orders you accept.
Age, identity, and background check requirements
You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Uber will ask for your Social Security number to run a background check, which screens your driving history if you are delivering by car, and your criminal history regardless of your delivery method.
The background check is performed by a third-party company, not Uber directly. It typically takes three to five business days. If the check finds something that needs manual review — such as an older conviction or a driving record issue — it can take longer. Uber will notify you by email if your background check is approved or if they need more information from you.
If your background check is denied, Uber will tell you why and may offer you the chance to dispute the result. You can contact the background check company directly to correct errors in their report.
Documents and information you must provide
The documents you need depend on how you plan to deliver. If you are using a car, you need proof of auto insurance and vehicle registration in your name. If you are using a motorcycle, you need motorcycle insurance and registration. If you are using a bicycle or scooter, you do not need insurance or registration — only your ID and background clearance.
For all delivery methods, you need a valid email address and a phone number where Uber can reach you. You also need to set up direct deposit so Uber can pay you weekly. You will provide your bank account information during sign-up.
If you are delivering by car and do not currently have insurance, you will need to purchase it before you can start. Uber does not provide insurance for your vehicle. Some insurance companies offer special rates for delivery drivers, so it is worth asking your insurer whether they have a commercial or gig-work policy.
How the sign-up process works, step by step
First, read the Uber Driver app and create an account with your email address and phone number. The app will ask you to choose your delivery method — car, motorcycle, bicycle, or scooter — and your city. If your city is not open to new drivers, the app will tell you and you can check back later.
Next, you will upload your government ID photo and take a selfie so Uber can verify your identity. The app uses facial recognition to match your selfie to your ID. If the match fails, you may need to retake the photo or upload a different ID.
Then you will provide your vehicle information if you are delivering by car or motorcycle — the make, model, year, and license plate. You will also upload a photo of your insurance card and registration. If you are delivering by bicycle or scooter, you skip this step.
Finally, you will authorize the background check by providing your Social Security number. Once you submit everything, the app will tell you that your process is under review. You will receive an email when your background check is complete. If everything is approved, you can log into the app and start accepting deliveries.
What happens after you are approved
Once your background check clears and your documents are verified, you can open the Uber Driver app and toggle yourself online. The app will show you available delivery orders in your area, and you can accept or decline each one. You choose which orders to take and when to work — there is no minimum number of hours or deliveries you must complete.
When you accept an order, the app shows you the restaurant location, the delivery address, and the estimated delivery fee and tip. You drive or ride to the restaurant, pick up the food, and deliver it to the customer's address. The app guides you with turn-by-turn directions and tells you where to leave the food if it is a contactless delivery.
After each delivery, the customer can rate you and leave a tip. Your earnings appear in the app within a few hours. Uber pays drivers weekly, usually on Tuesday or Wednesday depending on your bank, by direct deposit to the account you provided during sign-up.
How much you earn and what costs you pay
Your earnings come from two sources: the delivery fee that Uber sets, and tips from customers. Uber takes a percentage of the delivery fee — the exact percentage varies by city and changes over time. You keep the rest of the delivery fee plus 100 percent of tips.
The delivery fee depends on the distance, the time of day, and how many drivers are available. During busy times, fees are usually higher. During slow times, they are lower. You can see the estimated fee before you accept each order, so you can choose which deliveries are worth your time.
You are responsible for all your own costs: vehicle fuel or electricity, maintenance, repairs, and insurance. If you are using a car, these costs add up quickly. Many drivers track their mileage for tax purposes, since you may be able to deduct delivery-related expenses when you file taxes. Keep records of your miles, fuel purchases, and any maintenance or repairs you do for delivery work.
Reasons your account might be deactivated
Uber can deactivate your driver account if your rating drops below a certain threshold — typically 4.6 stars out of 5, though this varies by city. Your rating is based on customer feedback after each delivery. If your rating falls too low, Uber will notify you and give you a chance to improve before deactivating you.
Uber also deactivates accounts for safety violations, such as traffic violations, accidents, or customer complaints about your behavior. If you receive a deactivation notice, you can contact Uber support to appeal or ask for more details about what led to the decision.
Your account can also be deactivated if your insurance or vehicle registration expires and you do not update it. If you are delivering by car, you must keep your insurance and registration current and upload new documents to the app when they renew.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a commercial driver's license to deliver for Uber Eats?
No. A standard driver's license is sufficient for Uber Eats delivery. You do not need a commercial license unless you are driving a vehicle that requires one under your state's laws — for example, some states require a commercial license for vehicles over a certain weight.
Can I deliver for Uber Eats and other services at the same time?
Yes. Many drivers work for multiple delivery services simultaneously. You can accept orders from Uber Eats, DoorDash, Instacart, or other platforms at the same time. Just make sure you have time to complete each order before accepting the next one.
What if I do not have a car — can I still deliver?
Yes. Uber Eats allows delivery by bicycle, scooter, and motorcycle in most cities. Availability of these options depends on your location. Check the app during sign-up to see which delivery methods are available in your area.
How long does the background check take?
Most background checks take three to five business days. If the check needs manual review, it can take up to two weeks. You will receive an email when the check is complete. You can contact Uber support if your check is taking longer than expected.
Can I work whenever I want?
Yes. You set your own schedule and can work as many or as few hours as you want. You can toggle online and offline in the app whenever you choose. There are no minimum hours or shift requirements.